Student FAQs on Brexit
The University has drawn up a list of Frequently Asked Questions on Brexit for students at Edinburgh.
As the UK prepares to exit the European Union, we understand that this is an uncertain and anxious time for many students.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions to find out how it might affect you.
1. As an EU student, will my tuition fees increase during my studies?
Your fee status at point of entry will remain the same for the duration of your studies, whether you are an existing student or a 2018-19 entrant.
The Scottish Government have confirmed that they will pay, through the Student Awards Agency For Scotland (SAAS), the tuition fee for eligible EU undergraduate students who commence their studies in, or prior to, 2018.
Tuition fees for home/EU postgraduate students will increase, broadly in line with inflation, during the period of your study. This is unchanged.
After the UK has left the EU, the tuition fees to be paid by new EU students at UK universities will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations and whether there is a transitional period.
2. As an undergraduate student, will I still be able to study abroad as part of my degree?
To provide much-needed reassurance on student mobility, the University has guaranteed international mobility support for prospective 2018-19 undergraduate students considering programmes with compulsory work or study abroad in Europe.
At the University of Edinburgh there are a variety of opportunities for students to study as part of their undergraduate degree programme both within Europe and internationally. Information on the study destinations available on your degree programme can be found at Student Exchanges.
The Erasmus+ programme facilitates student and staff exchange opportunities to Europe and provides grants to participants. Erasmus+ is a European Commission funded programme and, as a result, there is currently no guarantee of continued participation after the current programme ends in 2019/20.
The Go Abroad team in Edinburgh Global will ensure that students are kept updated as the UK’s participation in future Erasmus+ programmes is considered.
Universities UK is asking the government to secure continued UK participation in this valuable exchange programme post-Brexit and this is a position that the University of Edinburgh strongly supports.
3. After Brexit will my qualifications still be recognised across Europe?
Recognition of academic qualifications will continue for EU citizens living in the UK and vice versa. The UK has indicated that it will also continue to recognise EU professional qualifications after the UK’s departure from the EU. The recognition of academic qualifications falls under the European Higher Education Area and is a voluntary commitment which is not linked to EU membership, so it should not be formally affected by Brexit.
4. How might Brexit affect my employment prospects after graduation?
The populations of member states of the EU are entitled to free movement of labour across Europe. However, if the UK is no longer subject to free movement of labour, it could be harder for UK nationals to secure work in any one of the remaining countries of the EU.
As a result, visas or work permits may be required to work in Europe, which may make securing a job in Europe less straightforward than it is currently. This would also apply for EU nationals seeking employment in the UK.
Much will depend on the deal that is reached when the UK leaves the EU and any potential deals may still include free movement as a condition. But regardless of what happens, the Careers Service will be there to support all our students.
5. Is it expected that the numbers of European students at the University will decrease?
EU student recruitment continues to be strong with increased numbers joining the University in September 2017. The University continues to welcome and attract those European students who meet the entry criteria for their chosen degree programme, and we regard the diversity this brings as one of our greatest strengths.
As with previous years, the EU Postgraduate Recruitment team will be attending recruitment fairs across Europe speaking to prospective postgraduate students and informing them of the opportunities available at Edinburgh, as well as advising students on campus about further study options. The team’s visit schedule can be found on our Postgraduate website.
Following the UK’s departure from the EU, it is expected that future numbers of EU students will be influenced by what happens to freedom of movement. The University will keep prospective students up to date with developments as negotiations progress.